Chapter 138

Chapter 138
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**Chapter 138: The Namgung Young Lord’s Provocation**

Baek Yang-hui let out a quiet, low whistle to himself.
*Well now, look at that murderous glare.*
It was only to be expected that the man would regard them so.
The carefully laid plan they had spent so much time preparing had fallen completely to pieces, all because of this side.
He might not know the full extent of how thoroughly everything had crumbled thanks to their intervention, but even so—just the fact that he stood within the Sword King’s Hall and bore the Blood Demon Sword was enough to sour anyone’s temper.

*Come to think of it, he hasn’t so much as mentioned it. I’d have thought he’d bombard me with questions about the Blood Demon Sword the moment we laid eyes on each other.*

He had intended to feign ignorance regarding where the sword had gone, yet he had at least anticipated being asked how he had managed to wield such a cursed blade without suffering any harm himself.

*Then again, it would seem rather strange to jump straight to that subject, wouldn’t it?*

A sudden, mischievous impulse rose up within him.
Why not stir things up a little?

“Young Lord Namgung, I am truly relieved to see you have made a full recovery. I had thought you would require far more time to regain your strength.”

Namgung Cheon-hu’s eyebrow twitched sharply upward.
He was making a visible effort to keep his composure, yet it was perfectly clear he was seething with anger.

“Thanks to your actions, I recovered sooner than expected. Allow me to offer you my sincere gratitude.”

“Is that all? Just words?”

The unexpected reply caught Namgung Cheon-hu off guard; his eyes widened slightly before he let out a short, mocking scoff.
“Ha! You certainly have a different way of carrying yourself compared to our last meeting, don’t you?”

*Compared to before?* Ah, that was right—last time he had bowed and scraped, doing everything he could to spare his brother as much humiliation as he possibly could.
“Does not a man’s manner change according to his circumstances?”

“I have heard the Baek Clan Lord is a paragon of unwavering righteousness, yet it appears his son has not inherited that virtue. Or perhaps… is it because you are adopted?”

He clearly believed he had struck a devastating blow with those words.
Baek Yang-hui merely grinned and confirmed it openly.
“That is correct. As you have noted, I am nothing more than gutter trash who begged for a place to belong. Would you prefer I offer you a proper apology right now?”

Who did this pampered young heir of an esteemed clan think he was, trying to win a battle of wits? If he hoped to outtalk anyone with nothing but smooth words, he ought to spend ten years wandering the world and learning how it truly worked first.

“……Where is the Baek Clan Lord? He has not shown himself, even though we have guests.”

*Forget pleasantries—this man knew exactly how to get under someone’s skin.*
“Would it not be proper to show respect to the head of the household first?”

“Hmph. This young lord gives respect exactly as much as he receives.”

“Ah! In that case, I shall speak all the more freely, Young Hero Namgung.”

Baek Yang-hui met Namgung Cheon-hu’s gaze—his eyes hardening with every passing moment—and offered a deliberate, knowing smile.
*You think I would shrink back from this, don’t you?*
“Young Hero, why such a sour expression? Are you familiar with the phrase ‘turning the tables’?”

A powerful surge of energy radiated outward from Namgung Cheon-hu.
Baek Yang-hui matched his presence instantly, releasing his own aura in response.
The air grew thick with rising tension…

“Senior Brother!”

Zhuge Seol-ha, who had drawn near unnoticed, rested a hand lightly on Baek Yang-hui’s shoulder.
Every warrior of the Namgung Clan fixed their gaze upon her face.
Only then did they realize she was no longer wearing her veil.

“Oops. I quite forgot my veil.”

Having regained his composure, Namgung Cheon-hu addressed her directly.
“And you are…?”

“You must be the Young Lord of the Namgung Clan. I have heard so much about you. I am Zhuge Seol-ha, of the Zhuge family.”

As she finished speaking and offered a bright, warm smile, another ripple of astonishment passed through the Namgung warriors.
*Look at Namgung Cheon-hu blushing—over a girl even younger than his own younger brother.*
What a wasted number of years.
Then again, Seol-ha’s beauty was truly extraordinary. Now that she had bloomed into her full radiance, even Baek Yang-hui found himself taken aback every time he saw her, until he grew accustomed to it. Had he not watched her grow up from childhood, he might never have grown used to it at all.

*—Senior Brother. How can you speak to the Young Lord of the Namgung Clan in such a manner?*

So that was why she had appeared so suddenly and stepped in—she was worried about him.
*—It makes no difference how I speak. Nothing would change, so I may as well rouse his temper.*
*—What are you saying?*
*—The Namgung Clan will not leave the Baek Clan in peace, no matter what.*
*—Huh? Why would they target us?*
*—It is a long story. I will explain everything later.*

He could have bowed and submitted if he had wished.
Yet yielding would not alter the Namgung Clan’s stance or their decisions in the slightest.
They had come too far now; conflict was inevitable.

“Young Hero Namgung. What brings you all this way to our lands? My clan does not extend welcome to those who arrive uninvited.”
In the language of wandering warriors, that was a clear message: *Leave now.*
He knew they would not simply turn and go, so he seized the initiative while he could.
“If you have matters to discuss, proceed to the reception hall, state your purpose clearly, and await your turn. That is the courtesy those who arrive unasked ought to show—or is it not?”

One of the warriors standing beside Namgung Cheon-hu could restrain himself no longer and shouted in a booming voice,
“You insolent whelp! How dare you speak such foolishness to our Young Lord!”

It was only natural they should be enraged—he had just shown open disrespect to the Young Lord of the Namgung Clan, of all clans.
And that was exactly the reaction Baek Yang-hui had intended to provoke.

“What difference does it make who he is? I am merely pointing out basic standards of courtesy.”

“You impudent—!”

A crushing wave of killing intent settled over Baek Yang-hui’s entire being, intense enough to strike down an ordinary, weak person where they stood.
He did not so much as blink.

“Enough. All members of the Soaring Heaven Sword Corps—stand down.”
“……Understood.”
“Understood.”

Namgung Cheon-hu fixed Baek Yang-hui with a piercing, burning stare.
*Stare all you wish—you will get nothing from me. Whatever it is you have come to say, you will have to speak it plainly first.*

With that thought, he cast his gaze over the Soaring Heaven Sword Corps members who had accompanied Namgung Cheon-hu.
Were these not the very same men who had stood within the Sword King’s Hall the last time they met? They had seemed unremarkable then—what had made them grow so much stronger all of a sudden?

*Ah, I see. Back then, he brought only those personally loyal to him.*
Now, every single one present had reached the Peak Realm.
That meant this visit was not his decision alone. If the order came from the Clan Lord himself… how far would they need to prepare?

He sighed quietly. Political scheming was such a tiresome burden.
He found himself wishing he could take on a scholar-disciple to handle all these complicated matters for him.

That was when the shift occurred.
“Young Master Baek.”

The way he was addressed had changed. Earlier he had used his full name, then shifted to a casual form of address—now he was using proper, respectful terms.
“I offer my apologies for treating you with undue familiarity, based on our previous acquaintance. My Clan stands in accord with the Baek Clan’s intentions; we have come here to demonstrate that our words are matched by our deeds.”

Only his tone was respectful. The cold fury in his eyes, the anger radiating from his aura—everything except his words screamed of suppressed rage.
Truly typical of a Namgung: arrogant and proud, yet willing to bend when it served their purpose.

*This man has come with a carefully prepared speech, hasn’t he?*
Those with hidden, malicious agendas do not change their approach unless they want something.

“I see. Please wait within the reception hall. I shall inform the Clan Lord and arrange for you to meet with him.”
“Very well.”

Once the entire Namgung group had been escorted to the reception hall, Baek Yang-hui immediately sought out Baek Mu-ryang, who was in the midst of training, and recounted everything that had just taken place.

“Hmm. They have come to demonstrate that their words match their deeds? I cannot make sense of this. The Namgung Clan has no reason to hold us in high regard, yet here they are, seeking an alliance.”

“Their intentions are far from honourable.”

Baek Mu-ryang did not utter naive claims such as *’The righteous and respected Namgung Clan would never act so deceitfully.’* Even those who present themselves as virtuous and upright are perfectly capable of plotting and scheming.

“From the Namgung Clan’s point of view, our influence growing right next door here in Gangseo must feel like a thorn in their side. Especially now that we have expanded our reach into Namchang.”

“Precisely. There is more to this visit than they are saying.”

“I shall bear that in mind. Come—let us go and welcome our guests properly.”

The Namgung clansmen waiting in the reception hall carried themselves with the same rigid bearing they had shown outside: disciplined and strictly observant of order, or perhaps simply tense and wary in unfamiliar, hostile territory. Either way, it made no difference.

“Young Lord Namgung. I am Baek Mu-ryang, of the Heaven-Covering Baek Clan.”

“It is an honour to make your acquaintance. I am Namgung Cheon-hu, son of the Namgung Clan Lord.”

After the brief formalities were exchanged, Baek Mu-ryang went straight to the point.
“I know it is improper to ask so directly, yet I cannot contain my curiosity. What brings you all this way to our humble home?”

“Lord Baek, you have declared the righteousness of Heaven-Covering throughout Namchang: standing firm beneath your Clan’s banner, unyielding in the face of hardship, and protecting all who seek shelter.”

*He dropped the respectful title again, didn’t he?* Baek Yang-hui itched to call him out on it, but Baek Mu-ryang showed no sign of taking offence.

“That is indeed what we have vowed to do. But what connection does that have to the Namgung Clan travelling such a great distance…?”

“It is very simple. My Lord was deeply moved by the noble example your banner represents. With criminal forces spreading unchecked across western Gangseo, he has commanded us to come and lend our strength in upholding the righteousness of Heaven-Covering alongside you.”

“I see.”

The underworld factions in Gangseo were already preparing a large-scale uprising. Now that the Baek Clan had publicly declared their commitment to Heaven-Covering righteousness, they had no choice but to act—and they had no intention of standing idly by while others fought their battles for them. They had already begun making preparations to counter the threat.

“Of course, the Heaven-Covering Baek Clan has no need of assistance from us. Yet many hands make light work, as the saying goes. We ask that you permit us to stand alongside you in this noble cause.”

*It is a masterstroke of calculation. We cannot possibly refuse.*
Additional skilled warriors would make it easier to eliminate the criminal threat, and spare the common people further suffering. As a Clan that professed to uphold justice and protection, to turn down the Namgung Clan’s offer of help would be unthinkable.

*This is not pure generosity, not by any means. That is certain.* To have so many powerful Peak Realm masters standing at their side, all with their own hidden motives, while the conflict with the underworld played out… what was their true goal?
Were they merely seeking to share in the credit? Or were they planning to take control of the whole operation?
Perhaps they intended to overturn everything entirely?
Namgung Cheon-hu’s knowing, self-satisfied smile was deeply irritating.

*Whatever they have planned, I will turn it to our advantage. I always have.*
And beyond that, his instincts told him to be on his guard—he would not let matters slide so easily.
Since they were their guests now, courtesy demanded that they make full use of the help they had been offered.

“Clan Lord, I have a suggestion.”
“What is it?”

“Our guests have come with such noble intentions. We should hold a banquet to welcome them properly.”

“That is an excellent idea.” Baek Mu-ryang agreed, though his expression carried a faint look of confusion. It was not like Baek Yang-hui to be so welcoming.

“Yet a banquet ought to have entertainment to make it truly memorable, should it not?”
“Hmm? What sort of entertainment did you have in mind?”

“I have the perfect thing. Why not bring forward the sparring match arranged with the Southern Heaven Martial Hall?”

He turned toward Namgung Cheon-hu and explained his proposal in full.
“My younger brother has a friendly wager with the young master of that hall, not far from here. If it would please the Young Lord, we could hold the match as part of the banquet celebrations. What say you?”

“As your guests, we cannot very well decline your hospitality. It sounds most diverting—do as you see fit.”

Namgung Cheon-hu accepted readily, yet his eyes darted this way and that, clearly already devising new schemes. It did not matter. Things would not go according to his plan.

*For starters, Namgung Cheon-hu—I intend to spoil your mood before this is over.*
Recalling the obvious tension between Namgung Cheon-hu and Namgung Cheon-yeong, Baek Yang-hui curled his lips into a sharp, knowing smile.
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